Imagine

Imagine a paradise on earth. What would it look like, sound like, smell like, taste like, feel like?  Mine would be peace, happiness, harmony, liberty, joy, long, and pain free existences for every man, woman, child, gentle, loving, affectionate creature. Clean pure lakes, rivers, oceans, forests, and air. Freedom of speech, movement, and belief. Freedom from abrasive speech, crude speech, abusive speech, violent and hateful speech. A land of comforting souls, loving souls, kind souls, laughter and smiles. Gentle rains, cool breezes, warm sunny days. Families, states, nations, regions and a world without conflict. Relationships lasting an entire lifetime without a cross word bespoken. Honesty. Equality. Sharing. Encouragement. Creativity. The smell of lilacs, roses, lilies. The taste of sweet dew. Death in sleep in a loved one's arms after a full, rich, and rewarding day. Now compare it to the reality in which we live. Is there a way to bridge the chasm? Is there a way to create a paradise here on earth? When? How? The Buddha and Nichiren teach that when the Mystic Law alone flourishes and all the people chant in one voice, Namu Myoho renge kyo, there will be a paradise here on earth.